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Finally! Californians have a brand new handy option to attain Mexico with out the trouble of Customs.
As you’ve got absolutely heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors doesn’t suggest you may cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.
Tons might be stated in regards to the border, however one side is simple – wait instances are unpredictable, and after they’re dangerous, they’re actually dangerous!
It is stated Tijuana is house to the busiest border on this planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Slightly than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians typically select to remain nearer to house by crossing into Mexico’s lovely area of Valle de Guadalupe for world-class wineries and beautiful surroundings.
A new thrilling ferry makes the method a lot simpler.
Skip the daunting strains and take a straight shot to the Northern Baja port metropolis of Ensenada.
Azteca Ferry: The New Simple Route To Wine Nation
Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a special story, clearly.
For vacationers eager to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, you need to make an necessary choice: Do you need to danger getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
Irrespective of what number of TikToks you may scroll by way of for 3 hours, it is not an excellent time.
That is why I am additional excited to find this new ferry, particularly as somebody who has lived in San Diego for 10 years, in all probability crossed into Tijuana at the least 200 instances, and by no means made it to Ensenada, considered one of Baja’s most missed gems.
Reaching Ensenada is kind of actually a ache.
It is so shut, but so distant. Roughly 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a preferred cruise port and gateway into Mexico’s underrated wine nation.
These 90 minutes again to the border can flip into 5 hours if the strains are backed up.
That is why this ferry experience is such excellent news to flee the trouble by departing from San Diego, somewhat than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See when you’re eligible for a SENTRI card, the kryptonite to bypass border strains. New appointment openings are launched between 10am – 11am, so refresh the web page when reserving!
What To Count on
Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site continues to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the report, there isn’t any official departure date. “Coming quickly” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The nice factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of yr.
In keeping with San Diego Pink, these would be the departure instances:
- San Diego to Ensenada will probably be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego will probably be from 7:00am to 9:30am and from 3:00pm to five:30pm.
Pricing just isn’t official both, however these are the anticipated ticket costs:
- Single journey – $70
- Spherical-trip – $130
Though, youngsters and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Regardless of being out on the open sea, the most effective perks will probably be wifi and food and drinks service, which can absolutely provide native wine aboard for a pattern of what you are getting your self into.
The boat will seat 300 passengers.
Ensenada To Tecate: Mexico’s Most Underrated Journey
There are numerous methods to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private choice was by way of Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, folks start their journey by way of the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by way of pleasant small cities and lovely wineries alongside the way in which.
With the ferry, you will should do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your start line.
Ensenada itself is primarily often called a blip on cruise itineraries and an exceptional seafood vacation spot. In any other case, it is merely a gateway to Northern Baja’s famed wineries.
There are ample tour guides to rent or you may go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy repute, the remainder of Baja could be very secure.
You will discover some actually superior locations to remain right here too just like the newly opened Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe or my private favourite Santuario Diegueño providing breathtaking views overlooking Tecate.
In keeping with TripAdvisor, these are the highest 3 wineries to go to proper now:
- Xecue Vinicola
- Monte Xanic
- L.A. Cetto Boutique Valle de Guadalupe
Tip: Should you’re simply as into beer as you might be wine, cease on the Tecate plant the place you are given a complimentary beer on arrival.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.